YOU HAVE been challenged to knit, sew and or crochet, or draw a placement to send to troops serving overseas as part of this year's Craftfest competition.

The competition is part of the three-day annual Craftfest with more than 50 stalls, displays and demonstrations of everything and anything craft.

Hosted by the Maryborough Artisans, they were once again supporting Tam Geritz with her Care Packs for the Troops.

Maryborough Artisan Desleigh Baynes said there were more than 300 stockings entered into the challenge last year which were all donated to the care packages.

"The stocking challenge was so popular because people could use what materials they had lying around - and they weren't all Christmassy.

"That same rule applies to the Make a Placemat Challenge this year.

"You don't have to go to a lot of expense - you can spend as little or as much as you want on your donation.

"We were suggesting they put a plain back on it so on Christmas Day or whatever day the troops open their parcels and have their lunch together they can turn over the placemat and use it for signatures - everyone at the table can autograph it and they bring it home as a souvenir."

For anyone wanting more information or entry forms, there is a display in the Lennox St foyer of the Maryborough RSL.

Maryborough RSL sub-branch secretary Ebony Blackwood said it was a wonderful idea.

"We support the Maryborough Artisans event and challenge every year," Ebony said.

"We want the children to share the creativity with our troops, so would encourage everyone to enter."

The RSL will sponsor the children's competition to draw a placemat with examples of entries in the RSL kids room.

There will be plenty of prizes for the young entrants.

Maryborough Artisan Lesley Mason said the challenge was not only to promote the event but to involve the community.

"Craftfest is about supporting the community," Lesley said. This is a way we can involve the community - getting them to be part of the craft show too.

"We had people who had made a dozen stockings - people didn't just make one.

"And they didn't just come to Craftfest with their stocking, they came loaded with shopping bags full of items for the care packs."

A list of items suitable for the care packs are available from the RSL.

Craftfest will be held on November 1-3 in the Maryborough City Hall, Kent St. Completed entries for the Maryborough Artisans Craftfest Make a Placemat Challenge can be returned to the RSL before October 31.